Personal Finance

Several months ago, during a long car ride with my husband, we were talking about my Mom, Sarah Bodge, who had passed away in 2023 at the age of 87. Mom had been an entrepreneur for decades and inspired me and many others. She worked her whole life — up until three weeks before her death–– and had cobbled together a nest egg for me. We decided that we wanted to use some of those funds for good, and during that conversation, the idea for a grant-giving nonprofit began to develop.

A new hair color can feel like a fresh start, but regular visits to the salon can get pricey fast. From regular touch-ups to trendy color treatments, hair appointments can quickly become a major expense. The good news is there are plenty of ways to change up your hair color and style without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re open to trying DIY options, hunting down deals, or making your color last longer between visits, you can enjoy fresh, vibrant hair while keeping your budget intact. Here are some smart strategies for cutting costs on hair coloring and salon visits.

These days, life runs on Wi-Fi. Yet, the cost of staying connected can put a strain on your monthly budget. Between rising provider rates, equipment fees, and the temptation to upgrade to newer and shinier plans, it’s easy for costs to add up quickly. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enjoy reliable internet without overspending.
By knowing where to find the best deals, how to optimize your service, and when to negotiate with your provider, you can significantly cut your costs. Here are some smart strategies to help you save money on Wi-Fi while still enjoying a strong, dependable connection.

Mobile phones can be a significant expense, especially when you factor in service plans, device replacements, data usage, and repairs. Fortunately, there are many smart ways to save money without sacrificing reliability or convenience. From choosing the right plan to maximizing perks and exploring maintenance options, a few small changes can lead to big savings over time.
With a bit of planning and research, it’s easier than you might think to cut down on unnecessary costs. Whether you’re shopping for a new device, trying to lower monthly bills, or simply want to extend your phone’s lifespan, these tips can help you stay connected and stay within your budget.

I have been a penny pincher for a very long time – case in point, my husband and I spent … Read More

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the summer – windows down, music up, and the promise of adventure. But with gas prices fluctuating and long miles ahead, fuel expenses can add up fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy, effective ways to cut costs without sacrificing your travel plans. From choosing smarter routes to leveraging rewards programs, a little planning can go a long way. Here are our tips to help your road trip budget go the extra mile – literally.

Car and home insurance are essential expenses, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for paying more than you should. With a little research and some smart strategies, you can lower your premiums without compromising on coverage. The insurance industry is competitive, and companies often offer incentives and discounts to attract and retain customers. By reviewing your policies regularly and being open to switch providers, you can pay less while still protecting what matters most.
Here are our tips to help you save on car and home insurance while ensuring you have the coverage you need.

Tax season usually isn’t very magical, but what if you used your refund to do something truly unforgettable? Consider taking your entire multi-generational family to Walt Disney World. From grandparents to toddlers to cousins, it’s the perfect place to create lifelong memories together. With the average tax refund in 2025 reaching $3,271, many families may find that their return can cover a significant portion of the trip. While a Disney vacation might seem out of reach, with a little planning and a few smart money-saving strategies, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re thinking about using your refund for a magical family getaway, here’s how we made it happen and how you can too.

Tax season can bring a nice financial boost if you’re due a refund. While it might be tempting to splurge on something fun, using your refund wisely can set you up for long-term financial success. The key is to strike a balance between personal enjoyment and financial prudence.
Whether you want to pay down debt, invest in your future, or improve your financial security, there are plenty of smart ways to use the extra cash. Making strategic decisions now can help you maximize your refund’s impact and strengthen your financial foundation. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your tax refund.

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, but it also comes with financial adjustments to ensure long-term stability. As your income shifts from regular paychecks to savings, pensions, or Social Security, it’s essential to reassess how you spend money. By making a few strategic changes to your spending habits, you can stretch your retirement funds and ensure financial security while maintaining a fun, fulfilling lifestyle. Here are five areas where adjusting your finances can make a big difference in the long term.

The best thing you can do when planning to travel anywhere is to do your homework. Take the time to compare prices, research deals, weigh your options, and map your plans out in advance. If you fly by the seat of your pants, you’ll end up overspending. Here’s what I do to save money on travel.

Happy New Year! The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals and resolutions, but achieving them doesn’t have to add financial strain. Whether you’re looking to get fit, focus on self-care, learn new skills, or spend more time with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to save money while leveling up. With a bit of creativity and motivation, you can align your goals with your budget! Here are our tips on how to make the most of your 2025 resolutions without overspending.

You know you’re supposed to be saving money for your kids’ future. But, with everything else you have to pay for, from day-to-day expenses to saving for retirement, saving can feel like a lot. Trust me – I’ve been there. There were several years where my husband and I didn’t save for our daughter’s education because money was so tight. And while taking a break from saving can help get you through a tight spot, you don’t want to do that for long. After all, according to the Department of Education, the average student loan balance per borrower in 2024 was almost $38,000. If we save money regularly during our child’s adolescence, we can do a lot to offset that debt for our kids.

Whether you’re saving for something fun, like a tropical getaway, or something practical, like a ‘just-in-case’ fund, saving can be daunting. These 5 ways to save for a rainy day will help set you on a successful savings path!

If you were shocked by how much you spent on holiday gifts last year, now is the time to start thinking about how to avoid a repeat performance. Even though it may feel painfully early to think about the holidays, starting now will give you plenty of time to plan, budget, and build a shopping fund so you can avoid carrying extra debt into the New Year.

Whether you plan to stop working the day you turn 65 or are taking a wait-and-see approach, it’s essential to sock money away for retirement. These days, many jobs do not include a guaranteed pension or even an employer match for a retirement fund, so much of the saving is up to us. And the earlier you start, the better!

Guest post by Jess Coleman As an expecting first-time mom and lover of all things frugal, I was so pumped … Read More

Credit cards have a bad rap. After all, credit card debt is on the rise. Debt increased by over 10 percent when comparing Q3 of 2023 to Q3 of 2022, according to Experian. So, I will begin by saying that if you are currently struggling with credit card debt, save this post for when your credit card debt is in the rearview mirror.

Even though the economy is improving, money is still tight for many Americans. If you’re struggling to pay your bills on time or save money for a rainy day, here are my favorite ways to earn a little extra cash.

Do you dread the car-buying process? Me too. I’m more likely to drive a car into the ground and then get a … Read More